That could save kids up to about $50,000 in school fees, according to The Christian Science Monitor. (And add to that a year of work experience, potentially.)

Only 53% of undergraduate students get their college degree in 6 years, USA Today reports, and fewer in four, but with the possibility of graduating in six semesters, industrious students or those who are daunted by the thought of hefty school loans are likely to be drawn to these shorter but just as rigorous programs.

Bates College in Maine and Judson College in Alabama, for example, have offered three-year bachelor’s programs for decades, says USA Today, but given the recession, we expect the trend to continue to grow.